Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One: Amazon.ca: Professor Sid Watkins: Books

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This work offers the memoirs of Grand Prix’s on-track doctor, Professor Sid Watkins. If there is a crash, it is Watkins who gets there first. He is closely involved in improving safety at the circuits and in developing rapid response medical rescue.

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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews

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4 star:		(1)
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4.7 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars The Professor Speaks, Jan 20 2011

By

Ward Rosin "(Ward)" (Calgary, AB, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Mass Market Paperback)

Professor Sid Watkins oversaw Formula One's most important era with respect to safety within the sport. Many of the safety measures, facilities and equipment current drivers enjoy was largely due to the efforts of this man.

His prose is sometimes like a cold physician, sometimes like an old uncle reminiscing. His way with words gives the reader a peek into the real man. He loved drivers; the first chapter, an eyewitness account of Ayrton Senna's fatal accident and aftermath, is both chilling and heartfelt. He loved racing; his accounts of being in the medical cars during races take you right into the action. He loved medicine and his colleagues; his description of the emergency treatments he applied and the passages outlining the relationships with physicians all over the world highlight the personal and global reach of his unique personality.

Nobody else could have written this book. The safety-related documents and forms presented at the end of the book may not initially interest the reader but it has to be remembered the pride with which he presents them represents the tireless work of many professionals, many of whom were very resistant to their implementation, and the reflection of those lives lost.

Highly recommended to any motor sport fan.

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5.0 out of 5 stars He's earned respect, never demanded it., Oct 3 2002

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Thomas Marshall (Lichfield, Staffs United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Paperback)

Viewing Grand Prix motor racing through the wonderfully perceptive eyes of Professor Watkins means that anyone interested in the sport should read this excellent account. Obviously respected, often revered by those with whom he works, he gives vivid and sometimes moving recollections spanning the many years of his involvement. Humour and pathos make regular appearances; his dry wit, an essential tool of his trade perhaps, serves to punctuate what is essentially a serious book. His incisive précis of drivers from the last three decades make for compulsive reading, the character analyses are intriguing and revealing. Undoubtedly a pivotal character in the world of Formula One, the professor has been instrumental in saving many lives. However, he's also witnessed intimately the consequences of appalling accidents in which lives were lost. He is perhaps uniquely qualified to commentate on the sport; his dedication and professionalism making him a hero in this modern amphitheatre which now embraces the globe. Superbly readable. Once is not enough.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic in motorsport literature., Feb 14 1999

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Trisha Saxon "Trish" (Wilmington, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Paperback)

Professor Watkins provides his insights into the personalities and events of formula one racing based on over two decades involvement with the sport. He has completed more circuit laps in medical vehicles than some drivers are able to accomplish in their F1 career. His humor, dedication to the sport, and commitment to improving safety standards are reflected in this well written book that should appeal to everyone interested in the human aspect of the F1 circus.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for every F1 fan.
I have never thought that this book could contain such historical moments. I have only followed F1 since 97 and I had a thirst for knowledge. This book has lots of it. Read more

Published on Jan 3 1999

3.0 out of 5 stars A memoir from the front lines of F1 safety and medicine
A fitting testament to Professor Watkins' work in Formula One -- in which he waged a long battle to improve circuit safety and medical care facilities for drivers -- this memoir... Read more

Published on Nov 14 1998